Why did Jesus wash the disciples feet?

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Français : Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de ...
Français : Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation de Moulins; vitrail néogothique. La Cène. Détail: Judas. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus . . . got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, . . . and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:2–5 NIV

It has been a long day. Jerusalem is packed with Passover guests, most of whom clamor for a glimpse of the Teacher. The spring sun is warm. The streets are dry. And the disciples are a long way from home. A splash of cool water would be refreshing.

The disciples enter the room, one by one, and take their places around the table. On the wall hangs a towel, and on the floor sits a pitcher and a basin. Any one of the disciples could volunteer for the job, but not one does.

After a few moments, Jesus stands and removes his outer garment. He wraps a servant’s girdle around his waist, takes up the basin, and kneels before one of the disciples. He unlaces a sandal and gently lifts the foot and places it in the basin, covers it with water, and begins to bathe it.

One grimy foot after another, Jesus works his way down the row. In Jesus’ day the washing of feet was a task reserved not just for servants, but for the lowest of servants.

In this case the One with the towel and basin is the King of the universe. Hands that shaped the stars now wash away filth. Fingers that formed mountains now massage toes. And the One before whom all nations will one day kneel now kneels before his disciples. Hours before his own death, Jesus’ concern is singular.

He wants his disciples to know how much he loves them.

You can be sure Jesus knows the future of these feet he is washing. These feet will dash for cover at the flash of a Roman sword. Only one pair of feet won’t abandon him in the garden. . . . Judas will abandon Jesus that very night at the table!

What a passionate moment when Jesus silently lifts the feet of his betrayer and washes them in the basin.

Jesus knows what these men are about to do. By morning they will bury their heads in shame and look down at their feet in disgust. And when they do, he wants them to remember how his knees knelt before them and he washed their feet. . . .

He forgave their sin before they even committed it. He offered mercy before they even sought it.



[The above first appeared in Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson)]

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